Falcons Among Us: Wild Wings Over Town - The True Start of this journey!
For this second post, I want to talk about the true beginning of my wildlife journey.
Back in 2021, I was working in education. After a particularly difficult day, I knew I needed to clear my head. I decided to get out of the house and take a walk to visit the local Peregrine Falcons in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. I’ve had a soft spot for these incredible birds ever since I was a child.
During that visit, I was lucky enough to witness one of the parent falcons returning to the nest to feed the chicks, who were just about to fledge. I was amazed! Sitting on the grass, watching from a distance, being in that moment—it reminded me of something powerful: wildlife isn’t living for the year, month, or day. They’re living in that moment. As I watched them, the stress of my day began to fade into the background.
It was then that I felt a strong need to remember the experience. I took a photo of the nest while it was still in view. Even after the chicks had fledged, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Aside from that one photo, I had nothing to hold onto—nothing to relive that moment. That’s when I decided I needed a camera. The same camera I still use today (but more on that another time!).
What stuck with me—and still does—is this thought: our Great British wildlife is all around us, even when we’re not paying attention. They’re there, living quietly, raising their young, searching for food, and surviving moment by moment. If you’ve had a bad day, take a breath. Look around. Whether you live in England or not—just look. You’ll find grass, trees, buildings—and somewhere among them, wildlife just trying to survive.
🐦 Tewkesbury’s Peregrine Falcons
Now, speaking of survival, let me share some facts about the Peregrines here in Tewkesbury.
The pair I saw in 2021 have been residents at Tewkesbury Abbey since 2011. A special nesting platform was installed on the Abbey tower to encourage them to stay and breed. The adult falcons are named Christopher Robin and Bella, and this year, they’ve hatched three beautiful chicks named by local residents: Eleanor, Flash, and Fluff.
📝 Peregrine Falcon Facts
Near extinction: In the 1960s, Peregrines nearly vanished from the UK due to pesticide use and human persecution.
Conservation success: Thanks to stronger protection laws and community-driven nesting projects, there are now around 1,750 breeding pairs in the UK.
Protected status: Peregrines are a Schedule 1 species, protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Disturbing them is a criminal offence.
Ongoing threats: Despite legal protection, Peregrines are still persecuted—killed to protect game birds, and their eggs or chicks are stolen for collections and falconry.
😲 Did You Know?
In level flight, they cruise at 25–34 mph, but in a hunting stoop (dive), they can exceed 240 mph – the fastest animal on Earth!
Peregrines can strike prey mid-air with enough force to kill instantly.
They typically mate for life and return to the same nesting site every year—whether a cliff or a cathedral tower.
I feel incredibly lucky to have these birds right here in my area—and I’m not alone. Many people in Tewkesbury take great pride in “our” Peregrines. They are majestic predators, symbols of resilience, and a powerful reminder of how nature can thrive, even in urban spaces.
Tewkesbury’s Peregrines are part of a striking national comeback. With unmatched speed, hunting skill, and enduring pair bonds, they’ve adapted brilliantly to man-made environments—while bringing people together through live streams, community naming events, and conservation efforts.
Below are some images which I taken from 2021 to current day. Older photos are not the best, but it’s where I started!
